PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
600 AM EDT SAT MAY 4 2013

...This is Severe Weather Awareness Week...

Today marks the end of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Here is a quick review of the important points made this week. 

Nationally, over the past 10 years, severe weather has killed 278 people per year on average, including 78 people due to flooding, 108 due to tornadoes, 45 due to damaging thunderstorm winds and 37 from lightning.  Across the United States in just the past year, severe weather was responsible for 7 events that caused more than one billion dollars in damage each.  On average, the National Weather Service in Long Island New York issues 115 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, 8 Tornado Warnings and about 93 Flash Flood Warnings each year. 

Plan now to keep safe during severe weather. 

Before a storm, develop a plan for you and your family at home, school, work and when outdoors.  Identify a safe place to take shelter.  Conduct frequent drills.  Know what action you will take when a warning is issued.  Be familiar with surrounding areas near where you live and work. The national weather service issues warnings based on a specific storm's movement.  Know where to tune to receive the latest weather information. 

During severe weather, postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Move to a sturdy building or car.  Stay away from tall objects such as towers, isolated trees and telephone poles.  If caught outdoors, find a low spot.  Make sure your choice is not susceptible to flooding.  If in the woods, take shelter under smaller trees.  If you are boating or swimming, seek shelter on land immediately. 

If a Tornado Warning is issued, move to a pre-designated place of safety, preferably a basement or interior room.  Stay away from windows.  Get as low to the ground as possible.  Cover your head.  If caught outdoors and a tornado threatens, lay flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of flying debris.  Flying debris causes most fatalities and injuries during a tornado.  Mobile homes offer little protection from a tornado. Evacuate your mobile home and move to your designated place of safety.

Flash flooding can be deadly.  Never underestimate the power of water. Almost half of all flash flood related deaths occur in automobiles.  Two feet of flowing water will cause most cars to float, smaller cars will float in less water.  Flooding hazards are increased at night when visibility is reduced.  The National Weather Service urges you to respect all barriers that warn of flooded roads.  Turn around, don't drown. 

The National Weather Service issues severe weather watches and warnings. A watch means that severe thunderstorms, tornadoes or flash flooding is possible.  You should already know what to do if a warning is issued.  A warning means that severe weather is imminent or occurring.  When any severe weather warning is issued, take immediate action to protect your life.  

Taking steps now to prepare for severe weather will help keep you and your family safe should flooding threaten your neighborhood.  For more information on severe weather awareness, visit our web page. 

Today concludes severe weather awareness week. 

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